Study identifies 600 individuals linked to organized crime operating from abroad in Sweden

Approximately 600 individuals have been identified in a new study of serious organized crime in Sweden, which is operated from abroad. These individuals belong to both the upper and middle tiers of the criminal hierarchy, and are either Swedish nationals or have strong ties to Sweden. They are spread across a total of 57 countries worldwide, with significant numbers in Europe, particularly Spain and the Balkans, as well as in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of South America.

According to law enforcement, these criminals have established themselves abroad to be closer to core criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, and to evade the Swedish legal system. The problem is compounded by many holding dual citizenship. Typically, other nations do not extradite their own citizens, which complicates legal actions against them. There are concerns about how to prosecute these individuals within the countries where they reside.

Of the approximately 600 gang-affiliated criminals located outside Sweden, around 150 are currently imprisoned or have been placed on international wanted lists. The country’s chief police officer stated that international cooperation is functioning well within the EU, Europol, and Interpol. However, the complex structure of organized crime makes it challenging to target the leadership of these gangs effectively. This situation presents a significant, multifaceted global issue related to organized crime.